Funding grant for library's active learning zone

News

Funding grant for library's active learning zone

New Zealand Community Trust announced that the HB Williams Memorial Library’s funding application was successful.

The $349k grant will be used for to build a dedicated active learning zone and youth space in the new library extension.

“We're pleased with this announcement, a quarter of our population are below the age of 15. These spaces will give everyone a chance to have access to the latest technology while they learn” says chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

The new areas include a modernised children’s learning zone, which will have reading spaces with comfortable seating, computers and interactive smart tables.

“The Lounge” is a youth oriented area that has a mix of formal and informal furniture and resources to encourage opportunities to engage, socialise and study.

The external reading room is an enclosed courtyard that suits reading and learning in an open and natural environment. In this space, outdoor seating and shade provide a seamless transition from an indoor to outdoor library experience.

This funding enables us to really put the icing on the cake and deliver something special for our community’s youth,” says Ms Thatcher-Swann.

NZCT’s national grants manager Ben Hodges was pleased to endorse the project, “Along with our Gisborne Regional Advisory Committee, we considered this was a great way to get behind Gisborne’s young people.”

“The new ways of learning being offered in the centre should be really appealing and are a step towards ensuring every Gisborne child has equal opportunities in the digital age. “It’s really positive that there’s a procedure in place to make the centre available after operating hours.”

The library extension is due to finish construction in February.

The library extension project was made possible by donations and funding from the JN Williams family trust, Eastland Community Trust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, NZCT, bequests from Stanley Green, Hannah Dunlop, Jessie Iris Jeffrey’s, and contribution from Council.